Building a Just and Excellent Educational Foundation

November 25, 2003

IConstance Ford, Dean of Classical School
(920) 832-4968
fordconstance@aasd.k12.wi.us

Dear Classical Families –

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, we have a long list of things for which to be thankful as a school.  Certainly one of the top items on the list would be our beautiful new facility for our elementary grades.  It has been wonderful to have our kindergartners with us in the same building, and especially nice to have our 7th and 8th grade students within short walking distance.

Last Wednesday, Appleton Area School District dedicated the elementary building that houses our school to Ken Sager.  While we will continue to be Classical School, the physical building will be called the Ken Sager Center.  The K.S. Center will probably be used most often for internal purposes within the district.  I consider it a great honor that our building has been named after such a wonderful man – an icon in Appleton.  Ken was one of my professors at Lawrence and remains a dear friend of mine.  About a month ago, he visited the building and I was able to give him a personal tour of the full site.  It was also a nice time for us to talk at length about our school’s mission and goals together.  Ken is very impressed and supportive of our program and all that we are accomplishing as we build a foundation for our students within a classical structure.  Jeff Niesen shares the speech he presented at the dedication ceremony in this newsletter in Notes from the Board.

News and Updates:

Breakfast (Elementary) – ARAMARK will begin breakfast at the elementary site as soon as someone can be hired for the position.  If you think you might be interested in this paid position, please let me know and I will be sure to forward your name to ARAMARK.

Library – The library at our elementary site is coming together nicely.  We have been waiting for the district’s I.T. department to install software that enables us to scan our inventory, and that was done at the end of last week.  We are hoping to have our library fully functional within the next couple of weeks!  We will continue to add books throughout this school year as we see where our biggest areas of need are, and will keep building the library up each year.  Many people have asked me if the district provided Classical School with the same library book funds as it did for other starting schools in the past.  Because we have limited space in the building, it may look as though we have a smaller start-up library, but we were given equal startup funds as other new AASD schools.  Many of you may remember how small the library collection was at Janet Berry, for example, when it first opened.  It takes a while to build up the collection, but we are fortunate that our library selections have been tailored to our school’s curriculum.  Many, many thanks are extended to Classical parent (and Appleton Public Librarian), Lisa Langsdorf, for all her work at setting up our new library.  Thank you also to Sarah Conklin who helped Lisa. We couldn’t have managed without their help!

Enrollment:  Our enrollment period for the 2004-2005 school year began on November 1st and will end on January 15th.  Applications are available on our website.  Please share this information with your family and friends!  If you have a child who will be applying as a new student for the 2004-2005 school year, please remember that you must fill out an application form.

Have a lovely Thanksgiving, filled with good food, good conversation, family, and friends.  See you in December!

-Constance Ford

 As most of you are probably aware, the building that houses Classical students in grades kindergarten through 6 has been officially named the Ken Sager Center.  On Thursday November 19, 2003 the District held the official dedication celebration. The ceremony celebrated a significant addition to the wonderful facilities within the District.  More importantly, the ceremony celebrated the unprecedented dedication to educational excellence by Ken Sager.  This includes his role as a teacher within the district and at Lawrence University as well as his many, many years of service on the AASD Board of Education.

Thank you to all who helped make the dedication a truly memorable celebration!  My comments from the ceremony are reprinted below.
 

Ken Sager Building Dedication
Wednesday, November 19, 2003

I am here this afternoon representing a number of different perspectives.  I stand here today as a parent of elementary school age children, as a district taxpayer, as a member of the Classical Charter School Association Board and as someone who was deeply involved with the renovation work that converted this facility into a school.

As a parent, I would like to thank the District and the community for providing this excellent facility for our children.  As a taxpayer, I am grateful to the District for making cost effective and fiscally responsible decisions.  And, as a member of one of the District’s many Charter Schools, I would like to acknowledge the District’s commitment to innovation and choice.

All of these traits: excellence, fiscal responsibility, innovation, and choice reflect the leadership characteristics of those who guide our District.  It is fitting then that this facility be named after an individual who has played an integral part in developing and nurturing these very characteristics over many years.  Professor Ken Sager has done just that.  Professor Sager has nurtured these very characteristics not only within the Appleton Area School District and in his professional career as an educator, but also within the wider community and every individual with whom he has come in contact.

I am sure many of you can recall instances where you were presenting an idea to Professor Sager and you were challenged and questioned.  These questions were often difficult to answer and sometimes even upsetting.   In the end, Professor Sager’s questions helped focus our thinking and sharpen our presentation.  For his critical eye, for his questioning nature, for helping us sharpen our thinking, we are all better off and we thank you Professor Sager.

I have to admit that when the idea of naming this building first came up there was some talk that an appropriate name might be that of one of the Greek gods, such as Zeus or Apollo or a mythical hero like Midas.  However, when the Sager name was finally announced many in the community were convinced that we had done even better.  So, in recognition that Professor Ken Sager ranks right up there with the Greek gods, we have a small gift.  Professor Sager, would you please step forward?

Professor Sager, we hope this gift will remind you, of your place in our hearts, of this historic event, and of our gratitude for your many years of service to educational excellence in Appleton.  (Presentation of the laurel wreath.)

Thank you!

START AND END TIMES AND TARDINESS

We have had a number of students who have arrived at school after the final bell.  It is very important to have your children to school on time each morning.  When students arrive late, not only do they begin the day in an unfavorable way of trying to get caught up, but it also interrupts the entire class.  Teachers need to stop what they are doing to get the extra lunch count, change attendance records, etc.  Please be respectful of the other students and your child’s teacher by having your children to school on time.  (Part to add:  If you child does arrive late, remind them to go to the office to get a pass before proceeding to their classroom.)

It is important to remember to promptly observe end times as well.  Many students have been waiting outside on the playground without school supervision for 15-45 minutes until their rides arrive.

Start and end times are posted in your parent handbook.  Thank you for your help and cooperation!

REMINDER TO CALL IN ABSENCES

Please remember to call the office at (832-4968) if your child is going to be absent for some reason or is sick. Parents of 7th and 8th graders should contact this number also, no need to call the Einstein Office.  There is an answering machine to leave a message.

Winter Clothing

Students are expected to wear what winter clothing is sent from home.  A winter coat, hat, and gloves or mittens are expected at school each day.  To be in the snow, a student must also wear boots and snow pants.  Please label all winter clothing with the student’s name.

Winter Playground Rules

No snowball throwing.
No sliding on the ice.
Protect snow sculptures and forts.
Shake off all snow from clothing before coming in to school; stomp snow
off of boots.
Put all winter clothing away in coat rack area neatly.

NEWSWORTHY ODDS AND ENDS

Parent Reminders
· When calling in absences, please do so by 9:00am.  Please call the Classical office for all grades, K through 8, at 832-4968.  Thank you!

· If you would like to have hot lunch with your child at school, please be sure to call the school by 8:30am to let the secretary know so we can have enough food ordered.

Dogs at Drop Off and Pick Up
Many students are uncomfortable with dogs and have allergies as well.  We would like you to help by keeping animals in the car when dropping off or picking up your student from school.  If you are walking to school with your dog, please stand off of school grounds while you wait.  Thank you for helping by ensuring the safety and comfort of our students.

Noon Hour Supervisors Needed at Ferber
Ferber Elementary School is experiencing a shortage of individuals interested in supervising students during the noon hour.  The hour for this position is 11:20am to 12:20pm and the pay is $8.25 for the hour.  If you are interested in working either daily, a few of days a week, or even one day a week as a noon hour supervisor at Ferber, please contact Linda Kemps at 832-5755.   Any help you could offer would be GREATLY appreciated!!

Lunchroom Safety!!
Lunchroom supervisors have noticed a number of children are bringing lunches to school that contain small silicon packets.  These packets are used to preserve packaged foods and other packaged items.  Unfortunately, after removing the packets from their lunches, students are playing with these toxic/poisonous items while eating their lunches!  Please remove these silicon packages from your child’s lunch prior to sending the lunch to school.  Thank you for helping to keep our school a safe place for everyone!

Classical Memory Books – Tim Tarr
The Memory Book Committee is beginning to compile pictures that may be included in this year’s memory book.   We would appreciate your help with this endeavor!   If your family has pictures that you feel would be of interest, please send them to the school office – Attention:  Tim Tarr.  While we will not be able to include every picture submitted, we do hope to include a good representative sampling of the various clubs, activities, and events in which the students are involved.

If you have a digital picture, please e-mail it to Tim Tarr at ttarr@new.rr.com.  If you are submitting a printed picture, please include your name on the back of each print.   If we are not able to use your printed picture, we will then be able to return it to you.  Specific information on ordering the 2003–2004 Memory Books will be available at a later date.

We do have a few memory books left over from last year.  If you would like one, they are available for $5.00 each.

Thank you for your help.

2004 Memory Book Committee

Thank You!
A special thank you goes to Tim Tarr for all his work in organizing Picture Day for K-8 Classical students!

Congratulations to Robyn Hernandez, Classical kindergarten teacher, and her new husband, Paul Nagreen.  Robyn and Paul were united in marriage on October 25, 2003.  Best wishes to Robyn and Paul

2003/2004 Advisory Council Meeting Schedule
Please note that the Advisory Council meeting schedule has been changed.  The Council will meet bimonthly for the remainder for the 2003/2004 school year.   The new schedule is listed below.

December 11, 2003  6-7pm  Room 104
February 12, 2004   6-7 pm  Room 104
April 13, 2004  6-7pm  Room 104

2003-2004 Parent Representative for Advisory Council
Sarah Conklin was voted to be the parent representative to the Advisory Council for the 2003-2004 school year. Sarah is the person to contact if you have any items that you would like to have raised at the Advisory Council, but will not be able to attend the meeting.  Please see the 2003/2004 Advisory Council meeting schedule above and mark your calendars accordingly.  We’d love to see you there and receive your input on important issues.

CORE KNOWLEDGE FOUNDATION E-NEWS
Have you seen the Core Knowledge Foundation's new e-newsletter? It's delivered every other month to the email boxes of almost 10,000 subscribers.  In every issue there are four major features about Core Knowledge, plus information about workshops, Core Knowledge schools, books for the Sequence, research findings, and updates about the annual conference.  It's free, you can unsubscribe at any time, and the Foundation doesn’t share its list of subscribers with anyone.  If you are interested in receiving the Foundation’s new e-newsletter please follow the simply instructions below.
1. Go the Core Knowledge Foundation’s website at www.coreknowledge.org.
2. Subscribe simply by entering your email and clicking “submit” in the box (shown to the right) on the Core Knowledge homepage.

We hope you'll consider this almost instantaneous method of learning more about Core Knowledge.  It couldn’t be simpler!

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

Appleton Youth Wrestling Instruction

Attention parents and students in grades 2-6.  Learn the skills and fundamentals of this exciting sport under experienced supervision.  Students will be paired with others of their same size, grade, and wrestling experience.  This program will teach basic wrestling skills and games in an effort to build a strong foundation that will assist the youth wrestler to go as far as their interest and ability allows. Wrestling is FUN !

The Appleton Youth Wrestling teaching sessions begin January 19th – March 10th.  Monday nights at Appleton East, Tuesday nights at Appleton West, and Wednesday nights at Appleton North from 6:00-7:30pm.  You may attend one or all three sessions per week.

You can register through the Appleton Park & Rec. Dept. after Dec. 1st or pick-up a registration form from your Elementary Appleton Public School Physical Education teacher.  Questions about the program – please call the Appleton Park & Rec. at 832-5905.

Dennis Giaimo – Appleton Youth Wrestling Program Coordinator
                           Einstein Middle School Physical Education Teacher

Homework Club

Classical School homework club meets after school in room 104 every Tuesday from 3:00pm - 4:15pm!    We are looking for parents who would be interested in donating snack food for the club members.  We would need food for up to 25 children to be brought to school by 3 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.  Snacks must be “healthy” and may be homemade or prepackaged.  If you are willing to donate food for our hungry, after school students, please sign up with Miranda Bouressa at bouressamirand@aasd.k12.wi.us or by calling the Classical School office and leaving a message.  We will need a parent(s) to sign up for each Tuesday of the month, so when you leave a message, you will need to indicate which Tuesday you would prefer as well as your 2nd or 3rd choices.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Bouressa or Mrs. Schwan.

Drama

We’re Off to See the Wizard ….
Einstein and Classical 7th and 8th graders will be performing the musical Wizard of Oz in the Einstein Auditorium on Thursday, December 4th at 7:30 pm and on Friday, December 5th, at 1:15 pm.  Tickets can be purchased at the door for $3.00.   The auditorium can be easily accessed through the doors near the bus turnaround area.  These doors are located on the west side of the building, off of Durkee Street.  Please mark your calendars and get ready for some excellent entertainment!

Student Council
- Student Council Officers

We want to give a huge thank you to all of the participants of our annual food drive!  As a school, we collected 1,348 items!  St. Joseph’s Food Pantry is very thankful for our contribution!

On Wednesday, November 26th, the day of the Turkey Trot, we all have the opportunity to bring in more items for this wonderful cause!

Classical School is such a caring and giving community…thanks for helping those in need!

Sincerely,

Classical School Student Council

Chess Club
 - Dan Ensley

Appleton Classical School students played in the Comet Invitational Quick Chess Tournament sponsored by the Waupaca High School Chess Club over the weekend.  Seven Appleton Classical School players participated, five of them were matched against the varsity teams from the other schools.  This meant that our young students spent the day playing high school students.  Even though we finished last, each member of the team finished all five games, and struggled to win against stronger and older opponents.  In the next sets of tournaments, all of our players will be on the junior varsity team, where most of the players will not be high school students!

The next tournament will be on December 13th.  There will be two tournaments in January, and two in February. We hope that more players will be able to attend future tournaments.  Players from the Appleton Classical School will be strong competitors at the junior varsity level.

The team members at the tournament discussed possible names for the chess team.  We would like to call ourselves THE CLASSICAL FLYING KNIGHTS CHESS TEAM, or THE FLYING KNIGHTS .

We will be ordering material from the U.S. Chess Federation soon.  If parents would like a “Chess Mom” sweatshirt, or a “Chess Dad” baseball hat, we might be able to get a volume discount.    Check the online catalog at www.uschess.org.

Chess Club for grades K-8 meets every Friday from 3:00-5:00pm in Room 104.  Come and join in the fun!

Music Notes

Fall Choral Concert
Classical K-6 students performed a Fall Choral Concert on November 13.  The stage decorations and the costumes worn by the children were fabulous.  Thank you to Mrs. Lindsay, Classical Music Teacher, for putting together such a wonderful program to showcase the fantastic singing talents of our Classical students.  Thank you, also, to Mrs. Padilla for her beautiful piano accompaniment.   The concert was a huge success.

Strings
On Sunday, November 16th, Lawrence Academy of Music and Fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestras presented the Academy of String Orchestra and the Philharmonia Strings concert at Lawrence Memorial Chapel.  Classical students performing in this concert included:  Julia Jordan, Mark Lee, Luke Povolny, and Karen Taylor.  Classical alumni performing included Elliot Clare, Miranda Hada, Ben Lindsay, and Pratha Muthiah.  Congratulations musicians!

LEGO LEAGUE

Congratulations Classical FIRST Lego League Teams  - Jeni Spangenberg
Last Spring, Classical School had enough interest in FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League to add three new teams to compete this Fall. Classical’s four teams have been meeting at least weekly since September, building robots, programming their robot, team building and doing research on this year’s theme, Mission Mars. On November 8, the four teams competed in a Regional tournament in Stevens Point and did an awesome job. Here’s a brief recap:

4th Grade Team:  Digital Dudes
Coaches: Bill Rolf, Scott Felder, Greg Stock

Awards: Judge's Award for the team that displayed unique qualities that the judges wanted to recognize...and agree that this team deserves recognition for remarkable achievement.

5th Grade Team:   Alpha Proton X-Ray Meteorites
Coaches: Monika Nygaard, Kendall Campbell, Kurt Nygaard

Awards: Research Presentation Award for the team whose quality research, innovative solutions and creative presentation best reflect an in-depth understanding of the various scientific disciplines and issues involved with the Challenge Research Assignment.

6th Grade Team:  Phantom Regiment
Coaches: Alyson Chapman, Dave Anderson, and Greg Stock

Awards: Robust Design Award for the team whose robot most consistently and dependably works every time, uses parts and power efficiently, and rarely falls apart in service; Teamwork Award for the team that best demonstrates extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit, exceptional partnership, the utmost respect to their own teammates, and support an encouragement of fellow teams; State Qualifier

Middle School Team:  Mindstormers
Coaches: Ben Becher, Greg Shaffer
Awards: State Qualifier
A special thank you to all of the coaches. None of this is possible without your commitment, enthusiasm and patience.

High School Orientation Meetings

We promised updated information regarding upcoming scheduling meetings for high school.  Thank you, Ms. Bouressa, for gathering this information for our 8th grade students.

APPLETON WEST HIGH SCHOOL:

1. Bob Simon, Appleton West Principal, will be presenting at Einstein on November 26th during resource hour.  Rick Cowls, Guidance Counselor at Appleton West High School, has scheduled an orientation day at Einstein on December 3rd.    Generalized information sessons will be held during 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, and 9th hours.  Classical students will be sent in groups of twos or threes to a session that fits their schedule.

2. Also on December 3rd, parents of 8th graders who are planning to attend Appleton West next fall are invited to participate in an hour-long presentation in the West auditorium starting at 6:30 PM.  Mr. Cowls will use the same classroom PowerPoint presentation he used for the students earlier in the day to provide an overview of the Course Description Guide Booklet and present the necessary information to fill out course selection forms for 9th grade.

APPLETON NORTH HIGH SCHOOL:

1. Barry O’Connor, Appleton North Principal, will be presenting at Einstein on November 26th during resource hour.

APPLETON EAST HIGH SCHOOL:

1. Scheduling Night for parents of students planning to attend Appleton East will be held from 7-8pm on December 2nd in the East auditorium.  Both parents and students are invited to attend.

Attention Kimberly-Clark Employees!!
The annual Kimberly-Clark Community Partners Foundation Grant applications are due by December 31, 2003.

· This program is available to regular, full-time employees of Kimberly-Clark Corporation and its U.S. subsidiaries and their spouses.
· Employees and spouses many each apply for one $500 grant per program year to an eligible organization (Classical is an eligible program!)  for which they have volunteered for a minimum of 30 hours from January 1 through December 31.
· There is a limit of 10 grants totaling $5,000 per organization per year.

If you or your spouse is a Kimberly-Clark employee and you have volunteered at Classical School for a minimum of 30 hours during the 2003 calendar year, please consider helping out Classical School by completing a K-C Community Partners application!   We would like to compile all the Community Partners applications designated to Classical School by December 15th and mail them in together.  You can contact Kimberly-Clark’s Benefits Department to request an application, or applications can be found in the school office.  Please contact Kathy Povolny, 830-9555, as soon as possible, if you and/or your spouse qualify for the K-C Community Partners Foundation Grant.  Thank you on behalf of Classical School!

Decoration Matching Grant
We have received an offer to match up to $500 in donations for the purpose of decorative painting in the school.  We have not yet received $500 in donations and do not want to lose the matching grant.  Additional decorative painting will make our school look even better.  If you are interested in making a donation to be matched, please send it in to school addressed to Decorating Fund.  Make checks out to CCSA.

Scholastic Book Fair
Our Scholastic Book Fair was a wonderful success.  As a result of the book fair, Classical will receive $3000 in books from Scholastic.  In addition, $920 in books (135 volumes) were purchased from our teacher wish lists and donated to the school.  Thank you to all our families who purchased books and made the book fair a resounding success.  Special thanks to Ellen Braatz for organizing the teacher wish list program and to Gwen Velazquez and Tammy Augustine for their assistance with setting up and tearing down the book fair.  Thank you again to our many volunteers who staffed the book fair.

Milk Caps
Many milk companies are now reimbursing schools for milk caps.  Kwik Trip milk bag tops can also be turned in for reimbursement.  Please drop them in the special milk jug box outside the office.  Please sort them from the Box Tops for Education and soup labels.

Box Tops Update – Siri Witt
Thanks to all who sent in Box Tops during the month of November!   We are continuing to earn money for our school!  Please keep collecting and watch for more classroom competitions.

Attention Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Members!!
Are there any members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans who are also members of Classical School?  If so, please contact Michele Veith at 735-8973 or email her at michele.veith@thrivent.com.  We have an opportunity to submit a matching funds request for up to $800 to the Southeast Outagamie County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for one of our school fundraisers.  Michele would like to submit the request for Classical’s Knowledge-a-Thon fundraiser.  We need at least six member families in order to submit the request. There is no work involved on your part.  Michele has graciously agreed to take care of submitting the paperwork.  Thank you!

Barnes and Noble Gift Wrapping Fundraiser – Sarah Conklin
We are lucky to have received Saturday, November 29, as a date to gift wrap for tips at Barnes and Noble.  This is historically one of the busiest shopping days of the holiday shopping season.  This will be a fundraiser for the Advisory Council's activities account.  This account helps fund many things such as field trips, various classroom activities, and the Opera for the Young.

We are still in need of volunteers to gift wrap in 1 to 2 hour shifts, primarily in the afternoon hours.  When we have done this in the past, it has been great fun for those that buddy up with one of their friends and pick their time slots.  You are able to bring a child or children with you.  We appreciate those of you that have already committed to your times.

Terry Abitz, will be making a guest appearance as Bonkers the Clown.  Bonkers will be  making balloon sculptures for gratuities during the course of the day.  Our many thanks to Terry.

To volunteer please call Sarah Conklin at 734-0555.  Thank you!

Goudy Chess Set Sales Donation
The Goudy family is assisting us in selling chess sets with all of the profit going to the Classical School.  The chess sets can be purchased in the following motifs: Egyptian/Roman, Revolutionary War, Civil War, Endangered Species, Crusades, Dog/Cats, Battle of Troy, Gladiator, Napoleon/Wellington, Robin Hood, King Arthur and Zodiac.  Prices for themed chess sets are $90, which includes shipping.  These chess sets have a 16” oak veneer board, with 3 ¼” chess pieces.  Two sizes of non-themed wooden chess sets are also available for prices starting at $25. You will be contacted to pick your chess set up at school when the order arrives.  We will try and have delivery by Christmas or Hanukkah, but we need to have a minimum order of $250 before we can place the order.  The catalog may be viewed in the school office

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CHESS SET ORDER FORM

Name_________________________________________________________

Themed Chess Set Ordered ($90) _Specify Theme_____________________

Wooden Chess Set, 11” Board, 2 ½” pieces, Folding ($25)_______________

Wooden Chess Set, 16” Board, 3” pieces, Non-Folding ($38)_____________

Payment Enclosed______________________________________________________

FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

Asthma… Let’s Work Together!

Asthma is a chronic disease in which airways become either narrowed or blocked, making breathing difficult.  It is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting an estimated 5 million youngsters under the age of 18, although it can occur in people of any age.  Most children with the illness develop it at about age 5.  Asthma seems more common in boys than girls in early childhood.

Asthma can be a very serious condition. Asthma can lead to severe health problems and, if left untreated, permanent lung damage.  Every year children are admitted to the hospital with this illness.  Unfortunately, children can still die from the life threatening effects of asthma.  It is essential that you know what triggers an asthma attack in your child, what symptoms he or she has, and what treatments to use.  Working closely with your doctor will ensure the best possible treatment for your child.

Knowledge about asthma is the best defense.  Parents with access to the internet may find the website www.schoolasthmaallergy.com very useful.  It contains valuable information.  This site is suitable for review with children and may encourage them to become educated about “their” condition. Parents may also contact the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA.

Students with asthma need to have their medication that relieves their symptoms quickly accessible to them. Please make your child’s teacher, school secretaries and school nurse aware if your child has asthma and uses an inhaler. (Physician and parent medication consent forms are available in the school office.)  Take time to make sure your child is using his/her inhaler correctly.  Studies show that often children are not getting the medication into their lungs.  You can ask your physician, pharmacist, or school nurse to demonstrate proper technique.

Asthma does not have to control your child’s life.  Let’s continue to work together to ensure the best health possible for your child.

Classical School’s 1st Annual Turkey Trot

Participants:  ALL Classical School students, staff and parents!!!

Date:  Wednesday, November 26, 2003

Time:  Group      Time

Schroeder, Osorio, Holcomb    1:15 – 1:45
Hastings, Rivers, Chen, Ford   1:45 – 2:15
Palomaki, Campshure, Bomann, Coenen 2:15 – 2:45

Place:   We will meet outside on the blacktop (P.E. Area)

EVERYONE is invited to participate in the Turkey Trot and Fitness Fun Run/Walk. Although I would like all teachers to run or walk with their class, it is not mandatory. If you will miss your planning period due to the run, you may choose to take the grade level time for your planning time. Remember though, the students really do get excited seeing their teacher run or walk with them. Teachers feel free to wear comfortable clothing – sweats, tennis shoes, t-shirts, and of course a jacket! (It is November in Wisconsin!!)

Each student, staff member, and parent who participates will receive a stylish certificate to commemorate their active participation.

Canned Food Drive Contributions
As admission to the event, I would encourage everyone who participates to bring one can of food to contribute to our canned food drive. I know the canned food drive ended two weeks ago, but this is the grand finale to help those less fortunate during the holiday season.

Have a healthy holiday,

Amy Blevins
Classical School Physical Education Teacher

Minutes from the October City Wide PTA Council Meeting
Oct. 20, 2003
 

In attendance:  Barb Hoffman, Susan Zimmermann, Julie Baker, Diane Dontji, Judy Baseman, Sheila Omholt, Al Schroeder, Sue Thome, Nancy Scheurman.

Linda Crawley went to the last school board meeting.  Susan Zimmermann and anyone else who wants to join will attend the next. The date is October 27th.

Sending out the minutes to the principals seems to be working great!  Thanks everyone!  The council officers will be making phone calls to the PTA presidents formally inviting them or a representative to the next City Wide meeting in January.  We had a great discussion about getting a variety of speakers for PTA meetings.  We also discussed sharing speaker ideas so schools do not repeat speakers.  For example, Columbus had ARAMARK come and talk to them about the changes we will see in the lunch menus and how to pack a healthy lunch as well as a healthy snack.  Nancy Scheuermann said it was a fabulous presentation that many people would have enjoyed.  We will be communicating with principals and PTA presidents to keep track of which schools are having speakers.

Our next meeting is Jan 5th.  A suggestion of focusing on safety in the schools was made. The school board discussed spending a substantial amount of money on security measures for schools.  Part of the meeting would be spent informing others about the various security systems, which will be put in place this school year and how much it will dig into the budget.  Ferber and Berry Elementary will be initiating a pilot program whereby they will be adopting a sister school.  This idea will be presented at their next PTA meeting and hopefully some good old-fashioned helping our neighbor will begin.

Keep your eyes peeled for focus groups concentrating on budget cuts.  We all need to get involved.  Please plan on attending.  Julie Baker met with the owner of Fazoli’s restaurant.  He has a passion for kids and reading.  He has donated bookmarks for the children to use.  These bookmarks will have a place to sign off when a child finishes a book.  When the bookmark is completed, it can be turned in for a free kid’s meal.  Nice job Julie!!  Feel free to e-mail Julie with questions about this.

Susan Zimmerman will speak to Cindy Bettendorf regarding the Miles of Smiles program.  We need to establish how we can go about keeping some of the books collected local.

I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season.  You will probably hear from me once or twice prior to our next meeting via e-mail.  Maybe we could have “bring a PTA president night” for our meeting on Jan. 5th at Berry Elementary.

Susan Zimmermann
President of City Wide PTA

Saturday, December 6th
5:00 to 8:00pm
Station One, 700 North Drew Street, Appleton

Open House event includes:

A visit from Santa
Moppy the Clown
Experiments for kids to do with the HazMat team
A chance to try on turnout gear/firefighter's protective clothes
Gold Cross Ambulance - blood pressure and body fat testing
Red Cross
Appleton Police Department
Plus much more!

November
25 – Homework Club – Room 104: 3:00 – 4:15pm
25 - Christmas Parade (starts at 6:30pm) & Santa Scamper (starts at 6:00pm)
26 – Report cards go home today for grades 7 and 8
27 – No school – Thanksgiving
28 – No school

 December
5 – 7th/8th grade school dance – 6:30 – 8:30pm, Einstein
5 – Chess Club (Grades K-8) 3:00 – 5:00pm
8 – 12 – Hat & Mitten Tree Drive – Grades K – 8
9 – CS Spirit Day – Wear your school colors! (Navy, gold, and white)
9 – Student Council, Elementary – lunchtime
11 – Advisory Council - 6:00 – 7:00pm
11 – 7th/8th Grade orchestra concert, 7:30pm Einstein Auditorium
12 – Chess Club (Grades K-8) 3:00 – 5:00pm
18 – 7th/8th grade choir concert, 7:30pm West High School Auditorium
19 – Chess Club (Grades K-8) 3:00 – 5:00pm
23 – Celebrate Literature Day–dress up as a character or author from Classical’s
                                                literature curriculum
                                        24 – 31 winter break

January
1 – No school – New Year’s Day
2 – No school – (K-8)
9 – 7th/8th grade ski trip, Nordic – 3:00 – 11:00pm
9 – Chess Club (Grades K-8) 3:00 – 5:00pm
13 – CS Spirit Day – Wear your school colors! (Navy, gold, and white)
13 – Student Council, Elementary – lunchtime
13 – 6th Grade Orientation for 7th grade – Einstein  - 6:30 – 7:30pm (Rooms 108 and 114/Einstein)
15 – End of CS 2004-2005 enrollment for lottery
16 – End of first semester – grades K – 6
16 – End of third 6-week progress period for grades 7 and 8
16 – No pm classes K-6
16 – No school all day 7-8
20 – 7th and 8th grade band concert – 7:30pm Einstein auditorium
23 – Progress report grades sent home for grades 7 and 8
23 – Chess Club (Grades K-8) 3:00 – 5:00pm
23 – 7th/8th grade ski trip, Nordic – 3:00 – 11:00pm
29 – Report cards go home for grades K – 6
29 – Materials fee/pre-registration forms go out for 2004 – 2005
30 – Chess Club (Grades K-8) 3:00 – 5:00pm
30 – 7th/8th grade dance, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Einstein
30 – TAG Deadline for parent and teacher referrals for identification